PEEKSKILL, NY (JUNE 6, 2025) - Just in time for National Trails Day, New City Parks (NCP) announced that it has been awarded funding to improve the trail system in the City of Peekskill’s Depew Park from the New York State Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP). 

The $75,000 grant will support New City Park’s efforts to more clearly mark trails with blazes, inventory and improve key trails, and create welcoming trailheads with kiosks, signage, and markers to invite urban dwellers and a new generation of visitors outdoors. 

“Depew’s trails represent an all-too-rare treasure, a vast forest preserve within walking distance from a dense city downtown,” said NCP founder and executive director Rose Harvey. “Our goal is to ensure that all of Peekskill’s 25,000 residents, especially youth and their families, can get out into nature. We are honored that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance’s New York Program made this critical investment in an urban recreational project.” 

Mayor Vivian McKenzie agreed, “While Peekskill is one of the fastest growing municipalities in all of New York State, our proximity to incredible natural resources really sets us apart,” she continued, “but just because something is close doesn’t mean it is accessible. This funding will help us truly connect our residents with their outdoor treasures.” 

New City Parks forged its partnership with Peekskill in 2024 to assist with overall improvement of the popular 176-acre Depew Park. Plans include refurbishing the tennis and basketball courts, BBQ and picnic areas, adding soccer opportunities, and improving pathways to make the park bike and pedestrian friendly. The need to improve the park’s vast trail network as well as its internal connections to Westchester County’s spectacular Blue Mountain Reservation emerged as a key priority. 

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “I’m proud to see this partnership expanding access for Peekskill residents and commend the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Land Trust Alliance for supporting this important work. I also want to congratulate New City Parks on receiving this competitive grant from New York State’s Conservation Partnership Program to enhance trails and facilities in Peekskill’s Depew Park — a gateway to our own Blue Mountain Reservation. Westchester County’s park system is more than just a collection of green spaces — it’s a source of natural beauty, joy and community. Ensuring all of our residents can access and enjoy these spaces remains a top priority.” 

Working with assistance from New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and informed by the City’s Conservation and Parks Advisory Committees, New City Parks hopes to install the first kiosk later this summer and continue trail assessments this year.  

NYSCPP is an innovative public-private partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alliance’s New York Program. Throughout its history, the Conservation Partnership Program has awarded 1,269 grants totaling more than $34 million to 99 land trusts working across New York. This funding, provided by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund, has leveraged at least $34.6 million in local matching funds, helping land trusts conserve tens of thousands of acres of farmland, wildlife habitat, recreational areas and urban open spaces. A list of all funded 2025 projects is available on DEC’s website. 

“The Conservation Partnership Program demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing New York’s environmental goals,” said NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, “Congratulations to the awardees—your dedication is helping to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable New York.” 

Ashley Demosthenes, CEO of the Land Trust Alliance, noted, “New York’s Conservation Partnership Program grants illustrate the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of its residents and the environment by leveraging the strengths of New York’s land trust community to protect treasured local outdoor spaces and enhance resilience against the impacts of increasingly severe weather and a changing climate. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for working to ensure the continued availability of clean water, outdoor recreation and economic opportunities for all New Yorkers.” 

About New City Parks: Founded in 2020, New City Parks (NCP) partners with and provides intensive support to small cities that are eager to make long-term commitments to prioritize parks in their least served neighborhoods. NCP’s model focuses on getting parks on the ground while also leaving behind new systems in cities to advance more park projects, secure future park funding, and model park programming and maintenance solutions. NCP prioritizes raising sorely needed construction capital and has successfully secured $38 million in public funding on behalf of its partner cities. To date, NCP has worked with seven cities to transform 21 parks (ranging from 1.5 acres to 176 acres). Six are finished and open to their communities, eight are in the final stages of development, and seven have been initiated this year. More information at https://www.newcityparks.org/.  

About the City of Peekskill: The City of Peekskill is a thriving, historic community located on the banks of the Hudson River. Just under one hour north of New York City, Peekskill is culturally and economically vibrant with abundant natural resources due to its location on the river and at the gateway to the Hudson Highlands. With over three miles of continuous parkland, the waterfront is a regional destination with various active and passive recreation and breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The downtown area features an array of dining establishments, a growing arts community, and is a hub for new generation technology and multimedia. For more information, please visit www.cityofpeekskillny.gov.   

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